Black women who REFUSE to be on time (re-viz-nih-ted)

Original post 11-17-2005

I mean, do I have to say anything else?  No, but I do.  The phenomenon of Black women not respecting time has perplexed me for years...

Not all Black women--or women in general--have this character trait, but I have met some Sistas that not only admit to it, they affirm the fact that they can not be on time--then they laugh about it.

I just don't see the humor in it, nor does it come off as "cute." Furthermore, why would one think it's OK to leave another person hanging?  I don't see the pride in such a flaw.

The way I see it, when someone knowingly leaves you hanging on a time schedule, that's like saying "You ain't got nothing better to do than wait for me anyway."

The truth of this issue is that if anyone knowingly chooses to leave you hanging on an agreed time, then they are not respecting your time.

Whether they are aware of it or not, to ignore an agreed time or to chose not to be timely is a slap in the face to the other person.

The least you can do in a situation where you know you're not going to be on time is let the person know when you see it coming.  Don't wait to show up at 7:30 to apologize for being late for a 6:30 appointment.  That just gives me a whole hour to write a blog about your late ass...

Comments

[Supa Sister]

True enough DPM, a Supa Sista has known to be a bit tardy on occasion..but I must assure you that I ALWAYS start off with the best intentions...I merely get sidetracked (internally or externally) along the way...mi vida loca!!

But I NEVA leave a brotha hanging...I usually sweet talk him via cell phone until I get there..

It works.

Oh, lemme go...runnin' late for that dental appointment....

[satisfiedsistah]

DPM
I've been guilty of this a few times. (hand raised admitting guilt). But its never nefarious.
Sometimes traffic and misjudgements of the flow interfers with me getting where I am supposed to be, and frankly occasionally passing a store with a shoe sale.

[DPM]

SS & SS: Yeah, yeah...

[Free]

I won't lie. I have to set my house clocks, watches, and car clocks at least 10 minutes fast if I'm going to be on time for anything. It's not so much that I LIKE being late - I'm just bad with directions. If I have to get somewhere from a new starting point... Boy - somebody's gonna be upset. But, like Supa, my intentions are the best :-)

[DPM]

Free:

See... Your arithmetic time setting doesn't help. 8pm is 8pm.

:)

[Paula D.]

Okay, shrinking in my chair as I type this...I have been late plenty of times, but never intentionally. I have gotten soooo much better. I make it a point now to just be extra early.
Good post!

[Black Girl]

Change your karma by mailing me my manuscript.......Mr. Respect Another Person's Time

[P]

Well. Hmm.

I don't like waiting on people, either. My girlfriends always swear they think I am waiting around the corner until the clocks strikes and then I roll up.

Lately, I haven't been arriving to work on time. But that's because lately, I realize that I don't like it here anymore.

BUT

Other than that, I think that chronic lateness is a subconscious rebellion. I think that women are notoriously late (present company included sometimes), but their intent is not to do so. I think we get so caught up in whatever it is we are doing, one thing leads to another and then you are not on time. I can say, that yes, we should call. Time is valuable, and time is also money. I DO do that if I am running late.

I personally believe it's more of a habit than anything.

BUT

I know this is a double standard, but guys that are late, that is super gay and effiminate to me. Eww.

[Supa]

Tell 'em, P

[DPM]

Well, it seems like you ladies can admit to the chronic lateness a lil' bit. That's the first step.

P: I like what you had to say. I will do my damness to be on time now. I've been late a gang of times, but I never find it "cute." And the last thing I want to look like is "gay."

Black Girl:
Why you front me?

[satisfiedsistah]

Oh shoot, am I late? Is this another post or the same one? Or is it the same topic different day? I guess my watch was wrong. Anyway somebody called and left me on hold, and I had to get gas in my car, and then I had a flat, and my friends brother called his uncle who is sick, and then my boss wanted me to make copies of some..............(beep):-) Sorry

[DPM]

Yes, this is the same post. Same story and I see that you got the same excuses. But since you had a flat, I'll let you slide today.